Short Introduction
Thermal injury to cells begins at 42 ℃ Only 8 minutes at 46 ℃ is needed to kill malignant cells, and 51 ℃ can be lethal after only 2 minutes. At temperatures above 60 ℃ intracellular proteins are denatured (killed) rapidly, cell membranes are destroyed through dissolution and the melting of lipid bilayers, and lastly, cell death is inevitable.
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a new technique for treating tumors localized to certain organs. A needle electrode is advanced into the targeted tumors via either a percutaneous, laparoscopic, or open (operation) route. The RF energy causes the tissue around the tip of the probe to heat up to a high temperature above which cells break apart and die. For eradication of all cancerous cells, the goal is to place the probes so that they destroy the entire tumor plus an adequate "rim" of non-cancerous tissue around it.
Advantages
* Effective treatment for small cancers
* A minimally invasive procedure with no skin incision, and minimal risk to patient
* Typically little or no pain after the procedure
* Procedure can be repeated if new cancer appears
Indication
With intent to cure:
Liver: for primary or metastatic cancer
Kidney: for small cancers.
Lung: for cancers limited in size and few in number.
Others: uterine tumors, breast cancer, adrenal tumor, local lymphoma
With intent to control pain:
Bone: cancer that has spread to the bones can be treated to control severe pain.
Detailed Explaination
The use of heat to tumors has been part of medical practice from Greek and Egyptian times, when superficial tumors are subjected to cautery. In 1970s and early 1980s, the application of heat from an external source became a focus of care when it was noted that malignant cells were more sensitive to heat than normal parenchyma.